From Sunday’s Church Bulletin – Domestic Violence in the Church

Over the past few weeks there has been some discussion in the Sydney Morning Herald and online around the topic of Domestic Violence and the Church.

I trust it is clear to all of us that there is simply no place at all for abuse of any kind, and all the more for those of us who call ourselves Christians. Yet sadly it does occur, and we cannot be blind to it.

All too often men who call themselves “Christian” look at the call in the Scriptures for wives to submit themselves to their husbands and selfishly turn it into a command to make their wives submit to them. In their sin they lose all sight of the clear commands written to us,

Eph. 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church…

1Pet. 3:7 Husbands, … be considerate as you live with your wives…

There is simply no justification in the Bible for harsh treatment of anyone, let alone the way husbands deal with their wives and we are kidding ourselves if we think otherwise. Our model is Jesus, who gave up His own life for the sake of His bride, the Church. Men, if you are in any doubt then look to Him and sacrifice your own wants and desires just like He did.

Some of us will need help. If you are either struggling with your own frustrations and recognise in yourself this behaviour (emotional and verbal abuse are also unacceptable) then don’t struggle alone. Come and get help. We have resources even on-site here to support you.

And if you are suffering from abuse of any kind, if your relationship is something that makes you fearful in any way, then help is just a word away. Please do let someone you trust here know and we will and can help.